Electrical process and apparatus for the dyeing of furs and other materials and the products resulting therefrom



l. E. BLOOM.

ELECTRICAL PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR THE DYEING OFFURS AND OTHER MATERIALS AND THE PRODUCTS RESULTING THEREFROM.

APPLICATION flLzusEPT. ao, 1919.

1,338,353, l Patented Apr. 27,v 1920.

NITD sTATEs PATENT orrren.

JACOB E. BLOOM, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.'

ELECTRICAL PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR THE DYEINGr 0F FURS AND OTHER MATERIALS AND THE PRODUCTS RESULTING THEREFROM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 27, 1920.

Application filed September 30., 1919. Serial No. 327,580.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JACOB E; BLooM, a citizen of the United States, residing at Brooklyn, city of New York, county of Kings, State of New York, have invented certain new and' useful Improvements 'in Electrical Processes and Apparatus for the Dyeing of Furs and other Materials and the Products Resulting Therefrom, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an electrical treatment in dyeing processes and to the apparatus therefor, and to the products thereof; and is illustrated herein particularly in the dyeing of furs, pelts, hair and other animal productions; and has for its objects, the fastening or fixing of the dyestuffs or components thereof, upon the hair or animal fiber by electrical adsorption and electric reaction forces in addition to ordinary absorption and chemical affinity and the like; and thereby more effectively fastening and fixing the dyestuffs and at lower temperatures. Other objects are set forth in the body of the specification and claims.

In my application for Letters Patent Serial No. 205,228, filed December 3rd, 1917, for process, etc., forfelectrical treatment in the dyeing of fibers, and likewise in my Serial N o. 225,229, filed December 3rd, 1917, and Serial No. 250,814, filed August 21st, 1918, I describe and claim the application of alternating currents and A. C. fields or supply whereas herein, I use direct current supply, this process herein described being an alternative process and means to attain the same or similar products or ends; and it will be understood that the A. C. fields applications and method therein described are likewise applicable or adaptable herein, and vice versa the A. C. applications and methods herein described are applicable therein. And also the D. C. applications and apparatus described in my application Serial Number 327 ,579 for patents filed simultaneously, herewith pertaining to an electrical process and apparatus for compounding liquids and gases.

This invention, in general, practically adapts and applies, wit h improvements, the principle, that when particles are brought u-nder insulated conditions, into contact` with only the one pole or terminal of a di-` rect current supply or source of electricity and the like, of a suiiiciently high voltage and amperage, then the said particles will take up an electric charge of the same sign as said contact pole or terminal and with varying degree of rapidity, depending principally upon their electric or electrostatic capacity; and inuenced by other conditions herein recited, including such as dryness, temperature and resistivity.

s a process, this invention, in general, consists in electrifying or conferring an electric charge of one sign only, upon the fur or fiber and the like, in a dry state under insulated conditions; advantageously positive for furs; and then bringing into contact therewith, (as by immersion therein or daubing and painting or spraying and the like therein), under insulated conditions, the dyestuffs liquor and the like, the liquor being either electrically neutral, or previously oppositely electrified under insulated conditions; and thereafter advantageously continuing the contact of the immersion, where such has taken place in a mordant dye liquor, with the electrically charging thereof with one sign only, advantageously of a sign opposite to that, if any, taken up by the fur or fiber by mere immersion in the liquor without electrification from external source. Otherwise, I conduct and vcomplete the dyeing as at present.

This electrical treatment is readily adaptable in the various present processes of dyeing,in some of which there is only one immersion as with direct dyestuffs; and in others there is first immersion in a mordant liquor, followed by another immersion in a dyestuf liquor; I apply the electrical treatment in the former immersion as well as in the latter, advantageously drying the fiber between the two operations; and advantageously conducting the immersions at lower temperatures and for shorter periods of time, than are commonly employed in present methods.

As a process, the invention in general further advantageously consists in first largely freeing the fur or fiber from air and moisture and the like, in a vacuum or near vacuum and then electrifying the furv or fiber with one sign only under insulated conditions in the vacuum or near vacuum; and then bringing into contact therewith the dyestuff liquor as aforesaid, advantageously in a vacuum, and the liquor being previously separately advantageously oppositely electrified; all under insulated condiwhere oxidation from the atmosphere is now wholly or in part relied upon.

As a product, the invention in general consists of a fur or fiber, or down and the like or other material dyed with fast stable electrically adsorbed and electricallyrreacted dyestuffs and electrically fixed ions and colloids and particles of dyestuffs from solution thereof, homogeneously fixed in and upon the hair, or feather, or liber and the like and advantageously the hide or skin also, Where such is desired, and in nonstrained equilibrium and of increased density and increased stability and durability of color and preservation of glossiness ofthe fur as regards or against deterioration from light, heat, moisture and time, 1l. e., increased.

as compared with dyeing without the electriication process, and with diminished hygroscopic property.

As an apparatus the invention in general consists of a vessel, vat, pot, kier or other chamber or the like, for the dyeing purpose stated, which may be advantageously of good electrical conducting metal material, with insulator supports; with means for supplying to circulating in and withdrawing from the chamber of said vessel a suit'- able dyestufl liquor; with means of controlling the temperature of said liquor, to tem` peratures suitable for the material to be dyed and to the dyestuiis, advantageously low temperatures for furs; with means for immersing in and withdrawing from said chamber and liquor, the materials to be dyed under insulated conditions; and with means of supporting the materials therein on electriier plates or shelving and the like of good electrically conducting material and advantageously separately removable, and which I call the extension of the terminal; with means of electrically connecting the supporting plates by ,an insulated wire with what I call the electrifier apparatus to wit, with one terminal or pole of a direct current supply, the other pole being simultaneously earthed;

` with a" pole changing switch in said line and advantageously with voltmeter, ammeter and a rheostat or resistance and a cutoutor circuit breaking switch in the direct current circuit advantageously in the line leading to and near the electriier conduit; all under insulated conditions. l

sisting of a vaccum vessel on 'insulated supports and with the above combination; and with means of creating a vacuum in the vessel after placing the materials, the furs and the like therein, as with a suitable centrifugal or piston air pump or ejector and the like with piping connections for withdrawing air and moisture from the chamber of the vessel and the furs; with means of attemperating the vessel to a temperature not injurious to the furs and the like during the continuance of the vacuum and advantageously by well known electrical means under due control advantageously to a temperature not over about 100 F.; or 'attemperating similarly with hot or cold water in a surrounding attemperating jacket or coil or the like; with means for then connecting the vesselor the plate shelving thereof which support the materials, with one pole of the above electrifier apparatus, advantageously the positive for furs, the other pole being earthed, during the continuance of the vacuum, for a few minutes, and thereby electrifying the materials of the same sign as the plates; with means of then passing the dye liquor into the vacuum vessel, which liquor is neutral or advantageously previously electrified with opposite sign to that of the above plates as by previous passage through an electrifi'er conduit similarly electrified with such opposite sign; that is the latter being connected with the pole of such sign of a similar electrifier apparatus as above described or as more fully described in above application for patent simultaneously filed herewith.

And advantageously (with means to utilize the same vessel or analogous enlarged chamber for drying purposes to wit), with means of withdrawing all liquor from the chamber; means of exhausting moisture, vapor and air from the chamber and contents by vacuum producing apparatus as above; means of passing hot drying air and the like into and out of the chamber; means of similarly passing ozone or oxygen or the like into and out of the chamber; all under insulated conditions.

Though I may adapt the electriier apparatus tqexisting vessels, vats and the like, of metal now used in the art of dyeing, it is advantageous from the standpoint of economy of current supply, as well as for delicate dye colors, to use vessels and vats l of stoneware or china or a dielectric, `eX- `cepting for the electrilier conduit tubes,

i analogous manner, electrically connected by wire with the D. C. supply, to electrify the materials by contact under insulated conditions. Other alternative steps of the process and features of the apparatus are hereinafter recited.

I illustrate this process, apparatus and product specifically as applied to furs or dressed pelts, though it will be understood that similar processes pertain to other materials to be dyed more especially animal ibersfz'. e., wool and silk and textiles thereof and animal products such as feathers.

By fur herein I mean more especially the duly commercially prepared, cleansed vand dressed dry pelt; and in some cases with what is known as vthe water or hard tophairs removed, as with seal and beaver skins, though it will be understood that the process is applicable also where the hard top hairs are not removed.

The fur, hair orliber generally differs from the overhair, in that it is soft, silky, curly, downy, while the over-hair is straight, smooth and comparatively rigid.

On living animals, the over-hair keeps fur hair filaments or fibers apart; therefore in many pelts for furs, such are retained; and where the removal is desired, such is advantageously' doneafter the main dyeing. Or I advantageously rely on the electrification of the hair to keen same apart. By fur, I include what is known as imitation fur as for instance Where hare skins are dyed a sable color, to imitate sable; or nutria skin is dyed to represent seal skin, and the like. By fur herein, I also mean where the pelt has already been put through a degreasing operation, technically called killing so that the individual fibers will be in a most it condition to be electried and to absorb the mordant and the dye'V liquors.

I attain my process by the means and mechanism illustrated in the accompanying' drawings in diagram, in which the same letters and numbers apply to analogous parts throughout the several views, and showing applications to old apparatus or structures, to wit:

- Figure l is a vertical section in diagram of an electrifier vacuum vessel with connecting pipes for creating vacuum therein and for circulating dye liquors therethrough; and with the application of the electrier apparatus.

Fig. 2 is a diagram of symb/ols of the electrifer apparatus for application to vessel of Fig. l and other dyeing vessels.

Fig. 3 is a diagram in perspective of a metal tray for holding furs or pelts and the like, to be immersed in a dye-vat; and application of the electriier apparatus to the tray.

F ig. l is a diagram of a metal comb and the like with the application of the electrifier apparatus thereto for combing and electrifying a pelt or fur and the like.

Fig. 5 is a diagram of a plate for rubbing a fur pelt and the like'thereon, with the electrifier apparatus of Fig. 2 applied to the plate.

Fig. l is a vertical section in diagram of what I call an electriier vacuum vessel V in which the materials to be dyed are subjected to and exhausted in a vacuum and then saturated with dye liquor therein. V is a closed vessel or pot or kier orA the like; with a large front door, not shown, hermetically sealed when closed, with a series of shelves, composed of plates P, arranged slightly inclined downward, of electrically conducting material, electrically connected together, and with meansadvantageously of sliding the plates on zinc racks separately in and out of the vessel horizontally when door is open; the shelves spaced several inches apart on suitable racks, advantageously about 1 to 4 inches to admit of readily placing solid materials, furs and the like thereon or advantageously placing l baskets B or trays, Fig. 8, with furs on the shelves or plates.

P1 is an entrance pipe for dye-liquors and the like fed from supply tank of dye-liquor or funnel T, through way r1 of a 3-way cock or three way manifold or the like; and entering top of vessel through insulator bushing I1,-and the liquor passing therefrom through nozzle or spray N1 and falling upon plate P2 advantageously convex, electrically and mechanically removably affixed to pipe P1 above the nozzle N1; the plate P2 may be perforated; plate P2 does not touch sides of vessel there being about an inch ofvspace to permit liquor to flow over and fill the vessel. The pipe P1 connects through way r2 of B-way cock L with circulation pipe P3 to way f1 of 2-way cock L2 thence to-injector or vacuum pump K, thence to P1 to bottom of vessel to Q-way cock L3, the injector K is connected through F2 with pipe K2 being inlet pipe for steam and its source not shown, or compressed air, or water jet and the like, for furs, and its source not shown. Thereby a circulatory system for the liquor, etc., is provided, from botDom of vessel through PA1 and P3 and P1 to 2.

The pipe P1 also connects through way r3 of the S-way cock L to air or gas inlet pipe G from a suitable reservoir not shown.

In all pipes connecting with the piping of the circulating system for vessel V or the like, to wit, in pipe from supply tank T, and in air or gas reservoir pipe and in pneumatic or steam supply, or the like, pipe K2 and in exhaust pipe f2 from K if it is connected with any condensing or other vessel not shown; and in drainage pipe O, if it is connected With any other vessel; and like- Wise in any piping leading to and from the attemperating jacket J or the attemperating coils not lshovvn or the attemperating can, I advantageously place a dielectric joint or section of piping-D J and With the object of further completely insulating the electriier vessel and its circulatory system of apparatus Whether for liquid or gas or air, during'the application of the electrifier Y apparatus.

I advantageously use for fur dyeing, a circulating system such as indicated, a circulating syphon advantageously closed and operated with injector K operating with compressed air, z'. e., a pneumatic injector; or using air-jet lift, With or Without compressed air; or the acid-egg or montejus system; or What is known as the automatic blow-case for lifting liquids by compressed air, or a Water-jet eXhauster; and the like.

Where the diluting and heating from small amount of condensed steam is not objectionable, as with Wool or silk, I may use the steam injector system.

L1 is a three-Way manifold or 3-Way cock in the circulatory system adjustable so that Way r1opens passage Way from T, the liquor supply tank, into the pipe P1, and simultaneously cuts off the Way r2 from ipe P3 and the 3d Way r3 leading to pipe (fir from hot air or other as reservoir, not shown; conversely cock E" is adjustable to open-12 from pipe ZI?? and simultaneously close Way r1 from And When cock L is adjusted or turned to open 3d Way it simultaneously closes r1 and r2 to permit the entrance of hot dry air, or other gas from its reservoir to and through P1 into top of the vessel V, thence to outlet O at bottom if under pressure, or to injector or suction K thence to 2-vvay f2 co'ck L2 adjusted to close pipe P1 and open Way f2 to air free exhaust pipe 2 leading to Waste pipe E or gas reservoir not shown or the like;and such is also the adjustment of L2, With L adjusted so as to be closed entirely -to create a vacuum or near vacuum in vessel V. As a precaution for safety, an additional cut-off cock is inserted -at D J in pipe P1, there being also at D J a dielectric joint o-r section of pipe P1, not shown. L8 is a two-Way cock in P4 adjustable to open the Way t1 from P4 to bottom of vessel V` simultaneously closing exit Way t2 to drain pipe O; and adjustable vice versa to open the latter and close the former in order to Withdraw all liquor direct from vessel V. J is a Well-known attemperating jacket or vertical coil not shown; around top, bottom and sides of vessel or all except the door With means such as pipes A, A2` A3 lof passing attemperating liquids coldl or-A hot, or steam therethrough to attemperate the Vessel, with a Q-vvay cock L4 to drain the liquids entirely therefrom or to pass same to higher lever A3, or in lieu thereof, I use a large cup J2 With drain valve in which is placed at coil P7 of an extension of pipe P1 thus constituting it as part of the supply and circulating pipe system; and to Which the electrilier apparatus may be affixed; the cup is filled with cold or hot attemperating liquid, advantageously oil, which attemperates the passing dye-liquor. By continuous liquid circulation, I include Where such is attained, by hand power in lieu-of injector of pump K, and omitting connecting pipes P3 and .P4 and retaining O; as for instance, in some cases, in small establishments, I fill the vessel V by handbuckets, pouring the dye-liquor therefrom into the funnel or tank T and alloW it to percolate through the vessel and furs by gravity or With pressure from air pump; and vvithdravsT the liquor from bottom pipe O into buckets; and thence again into funnel T; and separating thepassage; and With the electriier apparatus applied as above described'. In such modifications, it -is advantageous to attain as much gravity pressure as height of ceiling of room permits by using in lieu of coil P7, a vertical pipe not shown, placed in attemperating high similar cup, not shown, With inlet and outlet pipe for hot or cold Water and the like therethrough, with funnel at top of vertical pipe; and omitting from the vessel the attemperating jacket J.

Fig. 1, the electriierapparatus is shown in diagram With positive pole connected with plates P per Wire W from pole changer PC (shown after Fig. 2) from positive terminal of storage battery SB or other direct current supply, with negative terminal earthed-through resistance or rheostat R, and a similar electrifler apparatus shown analovously electrically aiXed to supply pipe 1 being clamped thereto at CE with Wirey W leading to pole changer PIC adjusted to lead to negative terminal of storage battery SB Whose positive terminal is shown electrically connected to ground through resistance or rheostat R, or I may detach the clamp CE of electrifier apparatus from plates .P and attach the clamp at CE cf pipe P1 and change the P C to connect -the negative pole to P1 andthe positive to done after the vessel V is filled with dyeliquor.

At I, I, -are shown insulator supports, there being other similar insulators not shown, supporting .the vessel V and all connecting pipes, tanks and machinery.

Fig. 2 is a diagram of symbols of the electriier apparatus proper, adaptable for the electrification purposes stated, When applied to and in combination With old structures, dyeing vessels and the like or With improved vessels or appurtenances therefor as shown symbolically in Figs. 1 and 3 and 4 and 5.

In Fig. 2, VSB represents any direct current supply, which may be a storage battery, or d. c. dynamo; or a constant current generator (as per symbol at DCG in Fig. 3), or a d. c., duly converted from A. C. source, or an influence machine or frictional-machine, or a primary battery of cells or other direct current supply advantageously constant, with well-known means not shown of increasing or decreasing the supply to attain suitable high or lowl voltage and amperage with continuous supply, to be determined empirically for different materials, different kinds and conditions of furs and different colors, dyes and the like. P C represents a pole changer switch connected with the terminals of the D C supply S B, with a separate insulated wire W to earth C Gr; and with circuit breaker switch s, and advantageously with voltmeter, ammeter and resistance or rheostat R advantageously in the non-grounded terminal line W in series therein, and a suitable detachable clamp C E at its end, to be clamped or fastened to electriier plate P or electrifier conduit P1 of Fig. 1, or to electrier tray of Fig. 3, or electriier comb of Fig. 4 or electrifier plate of Fig. 5 or the like; and which I call the extension of the terminal. It will be understood that in lieu of such detachable clamp, an equivalent attachment can be used such as soldering or brazing the wire thereto.

placed anywhere in the circuit; when closed the P C is shown as being connected to lead the negative pole to earth and the positive pole to P. When the P C is thrown to the right so as to rest upon or connect with buttons 2 and l. in lieu of 3 and 2 as shown,

`then. the positive pole is automatically thereby connected to earth and the negative to P. It will be understood that a voltmeter," and ammeter and rheostat or the like are advantageously used in the non-grounded terminal line IIT as shown in Fig. 3; though such may be in line to earth. It will be understood that the pole changer switch may be dispensed with and the terminals of the d. c. supply connected direct, the one to earth and the other to the electrifier plate, tube, conduit, vessel and the like, by well known means, and substantially as described. By the term d. c. supply or circuit, I mean a metallic circuit or the like of which the earth forms no part, excepting as herein described. l Bearing in mind ohms low C or R g and also that the passage` of a current through a. resistance R is attended by a fall of potential proportional to R, I advanta- The manually operated circuit breakerA switch S is shown as being open; it may be geously use a rheostat to increase resistance accordingly, and to thereby increase differ-. ence of potential between the electrifierr plate and the d. c. supply source z'. e. in ad' dition to resistance of the circuit line and source; and advantageously by resistance in the line near the contact plate or conduit or the like, or by making the contact platel of resistor material; and also consideringl the heat resulting by a resistor in the, line, and which in some cases may be objectionable and in others may be an advantage or not objectionable; in the latter case the contact plate or conduit is advantageously made of a poor conductor or resistor which would act as resistance; and where heat is a disadvantage as with some furs the contact plate is made advantageously of superior conductor material, and the additional resistance or the rheostat is used elsewhere in the circuit, advantageously in the nongrounded terminal line near the clamp affixed to electrifier plate. n

Though I may use as the material for making the contact electrier plates or conduits or trays and the like, any conductor material, advantageously acid-proof and non-oxidizable, yet when the principal use therefor is to confer positive electrification, as for furs, I advantageously use pure iron lor steel; and where the principal use is to immersion) but not inthe electriier plates for furs, I advantageously make the electrier contact portions of a resistor material suohas German-silver, or copper, or manganese, or copper nickel, or nickel-steel or nickel chromium Valloy and the like; and the connecting Wires of a superior conduc-y tor; and likewise in the electrifier conduits for sundry dye-liquors, I advantageously use a section or joint of pipe or conduit made of such resistor material, the remain- 115 der or connecting conduit being' of superior conductor material.

I advantageously use for liquids, resistance of 24 ohms upward for negative and 48 ohms upward for positive electrifica- 120 tions.

I advantageously use for dry furs, down, etc., about 100 V upward and 50 amperes with a resistance of about two ohms upward.

In the process for furs, or where low temperatures are material,I advantageously construct the electriier contact plate or conduit for use as resistancelike athermoelectric couple or pile in lieu of a'iiomo'ge- 130 rent forced across the junction of the metals of the pile connected in series in the d. c. circuit with the current flowing in the same direction as the thermo-electric current flows at the hot junction; thereby the y junction willl be cooled.

The dye-liquor, prepared substantially as at present, is always cooled for use in my process for immersion of furs advantageously to about 80 F. before immersino` the fur; and in electrification of such liquors, as herein described negatively, I advantageously use a current of about 1200 V. upward; and generally at least about 50 V mor and advantageously double or 2400 V for positive electriication. For such, I provide amperage of about ten amperes or more per square foot vof the contact surface of the electrifier vconduit or plate; or sufficient amperage to attain an electrostatic charge of about one millionth of an ampere upon an ion or molecule or particle of the material being treated; advantageously empiricallyv determined with different materials. I advanta eously use a contact pressure of two poun s upward per square inch and a velocity of about one inch per second upward. The electrically adsorbed component of any dye-stuff and lthe like or of compounds of dyestufl' with, mordants and the like precipitated from the solutions are fixed and adsorbed by the solid materials, i. e., in furs in both skin and hairs with an enhanced density, by and due to the electric forces with the result that the enhanced density increases stability, and durasaid" electrifier vacuum apparatus, Fig. 1

and electrifier apparatus Fig. 2, I proceed as set forth in describing said Figs. 1 and 2 as follows :-The dressed dry fur is lplaced with fur side downon plates P, or in trays B which are placed on plates P "or trays B may be stacked one above the other, in the chamber of vessel V; and the wire w from electrifier apparatus of Fig. 2 is electrifically connected with P or B; and the pole changer P C' adjusted to lead the positive terminal of the d. c. supply to P or B and the negative to earth; the cut-out switch S is then closed; the vdoor of vessel V is then closed; the 3-way cock L is turned so as to close all ways; cock L2 is turned to close the way f1 pipe P3 and to open the exhaust way f2 from injector K. Cock L3 is turned adjusted to cut off pipe O and to open the way from bottom of vessel to pipe PA1 to injector or vacuum pump K; the vacuum creating injector or pump is then duly operated for a few minutes, to subject the material to and to exhaust `same in. as near a vacuum as practicable. It will be understood that an entirely separate vacuum creating apparatus of well known type may be used, to create vacuum in the vessel V as an alternative to the means described. A vacuum gage, not shown, aflixed to vessel will indicate the stage of the vacuum; the vacuum creating apparatus vis kept in operation until the gage indicatesadvantageously over 25 inches .of vacuum pressure.

The vacuum in vessel V is continued several minutes, advantageously over five min- `the shaft of the hair, may be freed from air pressure and thereby the edges assisted toward turning outward from the shaft, to

allow of more ready penetration of the dyeliquor. The time therefore and voltage and amperage will vary with different furs, to be determined empirically. Thereby the furs are electrified positive. The vacuum creating pump or system is then cut off. Thereafter thev 3way cock L is adjusted to close all its waysl except way r, and cock I6 is opened to permit inflow of dye-liquor from its reservoir or funnel T, to fill the vessel V with dye-liquor through attemperating coil P7 and Pipe P and nozzle N1; and cock L2 is adjusted simultaneously to close its exhaust way f2 and open f1; and simultaneously the electriier apparatus of Fig. 2, z'. e., a separate set thereof P C2 is electrically connected at CE2 with inlet pipe P connecting its negative pole therewith, and with its positive terminal earthed, to electrify the passing dye-liquors advantageously, negative, c'. e., with sign opposite to that ofthe plates B and furs thereon; and with yhigher voltage and amperage, advantageously as above stated. And thereafter as the vesselv is filled, and during the circulation of the dyeliquor hereinafter described, the vpole changer switch P C1 is turnedso as to connect its negative with the plates P its positive being earthed. In other words, during the subsequent operating of the liquor )circulatory system after the first filling of the vessel, all lates and inlet pipin are electriedalike. B.Thereafter the vesse V being full, cock L6 is closed cutting off the supply of dye-liquor from tank T; and 3-way cock L adjusted to open the way r2 from pipe P3 to coil P7 and pipe P1; and 2-way .dye-liquor from bottom of vessel through circulating pipes P4 and P3 and P1 to top of vessel and downward permeating the fur to bottom, and repeating such circulation. Such circulation is repeated advantageously intermittently by cutting off the injector action\ intermittently for a few minutes at a time to allow the dye-liquor to permeate and saturate the fur more thoroughly; and such circulation is kept up or repeated advantageously for half an hour or more, varying with .different fur, to be determi/ned empirically. I regulate the temperature to any desired point, noting the thermometer t and using attemperating liquids in jacket J, or in the cup J2 in which is a coil of conduit pipe P7 leading to l". Thereafter the ejector K action or the like is stopped and all dye-liquor withdrawn from the exhaust bottom pipe O by opening its outlet cock, L3 closing its waylg; thereafter the door of vessel V is opened and the trays of furs taken out and the furs duly dried and the dyeing thereupon conducted and completed as at present.

And advantageouslyinflieu of present drying methods I may use the vessel V as a dryer as follows: after emptying the vessel of all liquor, I advantageously take out the furs or trays B with the' furs, and place same in well-known centrifugal machines not shown, to thereby centrifugally remove as much as possible of the remaining liquor and moisture clinging to the fur and hide; and use any other known dryer systems.

After centrifuging, in some cases, it is advantageous to stretch the fur, hair side down flat on a table or on flat trays and clamp it down; and cover with half inch mixture of drying meal as at present, such as equal weights of alum and common dry salt yand a dry meal; or to revolve loose moist skins with such meal in aV revolving drum, as at present, until dry; and thereafter replace -the trays and furs in the vessel and hermetically close the same; and proceed with the drying at a low temperature advantageously about to 98 F as follows: The 3-way cock L is adjusted to close way r1 from supply tank T, andv open way r3 to pipe G which connects with a reservoir not shown, of dry warm pure air of about 70 to 100"l F., with means, not shown, of forcing or sucking same into and through the vessel, circulating through the fur with exit at bottom through O; or advantageously utilizing the above described vacuum creating apparatus to suck and draw the dry Warm air from said way r3 and pipe G reservoir, into and through the vessel V and its furs, and out through L2 way f2 to waste or condenser or other vessel. In lieu of a reservoir (connecting with G) of warm dry air warmed and dried `and purilied by well known means, I may use ordinary atmospheric air thus sucked in and warmed by passage through J2 coil immersed in water to heat it to about 70 to 1000 F. and in cases where air is now-used to oxidize or further oxidize the dyestuf or dyed fur, I advantageously use and similarly apply from such reservoir through pipe ionized air orozone on an oxidizing gas, while simultaneously applying the electrifier apparatus, advantageously negative to pipe P1 to further electrify the gas, air or ozone negative and intermittently stopping such to apply positive to fur plate P to electrify the fur positive; and then renew the circulation of the negative gas. And in some cases I may use the circulating continuous system the same for the drying air or gas as described for circulating liquids. And in lieu of thus drying and oxidizing in the vessel V, I 'utilize similarly any existing separate drying room or chamber by duly insulating it, hermetically sealing it, and suspending the furs therein as at present; or advantageously in trays for electrifying the furs as described for Fig. 3, with same means for electrifying the trays; and with inlet and outlet piping for warm dry air for said drying chamber as at present adopted, or in lieu of atmospheric air, to use ionized and electrified air or ozone as above described.

It will be understood that I may conduct the same process without the vacuum in the above vessel V Fig. l or in what is known as the injector kier now used in bleaching and in dyeing operations; and analogous vessels and I so do by supporting same and appurtenances on insulators and placing therein a like system of electriier plates and likewise electrically connecting such with the electrifier apparatus of Fig. 2, and conducting the process with such as described. It will be understood that in lieu of using a vacuum vessel such as V Fig. 1, with the circulatory system above described, I may use in my process any vacuum vessel without such circulatory system or the like; as for instance, by electrifying the furs placed on trays as described for Fig. 3, and then placing such trays and furs in a vacuum vessel, and upon closing such exhausting the air therefrom; and thereafter lill the vacuum vessel with dye liquor, advantageously using the air-exhaust pipe entering at top, with a 2-way cock to introduce the dye-liquor by gravity. Or, as an alternative, vice versa,

, by electrifying the ldye-liquor only, negative, and similarl introducing such into the vacuum vessel a er placing the furs therein and after exhausting the air. Or alternatively first electrifying both fur and dye liquor, separately, and with opposite signs as described in connection with Fig. 3, and then proceeding as above, z'. e., place the trays and furs electrified in the vacuum vessel or on shelves in the vacuum vessel;-close the latter ;-exhaust the air ;-and then introduce the dye liquor as above ;-and withdraw the liquor from the bottom outlet pipe; and after repeating such immersion as often as may be found empirically necessary, further conduct and complete the dyeing as at present. The immersion of a fur pelt,

or a down and the like, in the dye liquorsubjects the skin likewise thereto; the high temperature of ordinar dyeing would injure the skin by disso ving some gelatins thereof, and which I avoid by keeping the temperature of the dye-bath liquor low orv under 100c F. vSuch restriction or low temperature is not essential in the top-dyeing hereinafter described,-due care being taken therein not to allow the hot dye liquor to touch the skin of the fur or down and The conduct of the process is .further advantageously simplydescribed in connection with Fig. 3 which is a diagram of a perspective isometric view of a wire bas.:et or metal tray B, with numerous perforations, advanta eously with clamps or fasteners F to hold Furs in suitable place, in the tray, and which has rubber covered or otherdielectric handles H, for grasping the tray under insulated conditions, when to be placed on plate P of Fig. 1; or for placing the tray and fur on any present dye-bath tub or vat like V Fig. 3 for soaking in the dye-liquor therein, as at resent, but reviously the tray and the d ry dressed ur in contact therewith is placed on insulator supports I, I, advantageously upon and in the bottom of vat V and electrically connected prior to the immersiomwithjhe electrifier apparatus similar to Fig. 2 as shown in Fig. 3 with a d. c. generator D C G in lieu of a stor age battery; advantageously with the positive ole for fur, and the negative earthed; the ur being placed advantageously with hair side down, resting on the tray; and after a few minutes electrical contact, the entire tray is lifted by the insulated handles andimmersed in the dye-liquor or in presentvessel or tub V supported on insulators I, otherwise thereupon the dyeing process is conducted and completed as at present.

In lieu of the tray form of Fig. 3, as an alternative, I use a hollow plate, not shown, like a water cooled electrode with its cooling appurtenances not shown to attemperate same advantageously to 80 to 100o F As an advantageous alternative to the latter or present dye-liquor bath step the dye-liquor in its insulated tub or vessel V is first advantageously electrified with sign opposite to the/above dry fur, by immersing and agitating therein under insulated conditions a metal'terminal such as the said empty metal tray electrically connected with the opposite pole, advantageously negative for fur dyeing, of the electrifier apparatus o f Fig. 2, the positive beingearthed; the tray thus electrically connected by wire is grasped at its insulator handles H advantageously by suitable insulator tongs, not shown, or by the rubber gloved hands of the operator, and is immersed and plunged up and down repeatedly in the dye-liquorA rform of a detachable clamp for firmly electrically connecting the wire W of the electrifier apparatus of Fig. 2 to the metal tray or wire basket and the like of Fig.- 3 to hold a fur and the like; such clamp C E -not shown in Fig. 3 be part of end of wire W vor may be part of tray B; F, F, represent detachable fasteners advantageously 2 or 4 and on opposite sides of the tray, to fasten or clamp the hide edges of the fur, so as to hold the fur in the tray advantageously with hair side down before immersion, and to hold the hide side of the fur at a suitable height from the bottom of the tray so that the tips of the fur hairs will be in touch with the bottom of the tray; the height of the tray is advantageously slightly higher than said height, about quarter inch, so that anumber of trays can be set on each other, slightly zig-zag and supporting each other, in the dye-vat, and thereby an upper tray will not compress a fur in a lower tray which compression would impede a ready ingress of the dye-liquor among the hairs. A ter the immersion the pelt may be placed in tray with fur side up. Fur pelts from different animals have different length of hairs; it is advantageous to have different heights and sizes of trays accordingly.

Fig. 4 is a diagram of a metal comb-I5 or electrierv apparatus of Fig. 2; the Wire W is sufficiently long to permit movin the comb P5 by an insulator handle or wit the rubber gloved hand or the like, through the fur or a pelt, or the'wool of a sheep-skin and the like placed on an insulator table or support not shown; or placed with fur side upward on a table or tray advantageously of dielectric material. Such comb is advantageously a stripof metal with one edge indented so as toform a series of teeth, or several of such strips, set parallel to one another in a metal frame asin acurry comb; or like a card used in a hand carding or in a carding machine for separating and dressing wool; the length ofthe teeth being advantageously the length of the hair of the fur or wool of a sheep-skin and the like means of attemperating such comb advantageously to 80 to 100 F. durin the combing are advantageously provide as by cirinsulators.

culating a stream of water through its back J made hollow'and with appurtenances not shown, like a water-cooled electrode; or advantageously often dippin the solid comb in a cold water bath and hen drying and then continuing the combing.

In the operation of the process with such electrier comb P5 and electrier apparatus,

the fur pelt or the like is placed on insulator supports as indicated; and, the comb drawn through the fur advantageously by the insulated hand or by insulator handle or using carding machines with insulated combs, or the like.

Thereafter the dyeing is conducted under insulated conditions as above described with use of trays like Fig. 3 advantageously of dielectric material, the electrified pelts being placed therein under insulated conditions, that is, with the rubber-gloved hands and the like, the trays being supported on Otherwise; the dyeing is conducted and completed as at present.

Fig. 5 illustrates in diagram a vertical section of a curved metal plateJ PG advantageously a semi-cylinder, circular or ellipsoidal in cross section, and advantageously a flattened hollow J2 metal pipe, with water circulating therethrough like a water-cooled electrode with its attemperating appurtenances, not shown, to maintain its temperature at 80 to 100O F; and which can be alternatively attained by dipping periodically in cold water and drying; and supported on insulators I, I; and electrically connected advantageously at under side with wire W of the electriier apparatus of Fig. 2; the upper contact surface of such plate may be comb-like, analogous to a curry comb or with many furrows cut thereon or the like. In the conduct of my process therewith, I electrify the fur thereon, advantageously by grasping the two ends Y of the pelt, with rubber-gloved hands, not shown; or the equivalent mechanism, 11. e., for rubbin the fur upon and over the said contact sur ace; as by clamping insulated arms of a to and fro movin mechanism of a machine not shown; and with the fur side u of the pelt downward and pressed gently against the plate P6 duly previously electrically connected with the wire fw of the electrifier apparatus, and with the pole changer adjusted to connect with one pole, advantageously the positive for furs, the other pole being'earthed, upon closing the switch S; the belt is then passed to andA fro with the tips of the fur in Contact with top of plate for a few minutes and after such electrication of 'the fur, the pelt is placed as aforesaid under insulated conditions in trays or otherwise in the dye-bath; and the dyeing proceeds as' above described for on the fur as at present in top-dyeing and the like but with an insulated brush, one Whose handle is advantageously covered with a dielectric; and thereafter allowed to stand until dried; or advantageously dried in a suitable drying room or drying method as at present; or in a stream of drying air and thelike as above described. The dye liquor for brushing may be either neutral, or prior to its use for'brushing as above described, may advantageously lbe electrified as above described with 'a sign advantageously negative or opposite to the fur.

Otherwise the dyeing is conducted and completed as at present.

In some cases of dyeing of an imitation fur, as of inferior skins to produce thereon the markings of a natural fur, the suitable dye liquor now used is` brushed upon or sprayed upon the electrified fur or vice versa, as above described, in as close imitation of the genuine article as possible, and then conducting the dyeing as above and otherwise completing the dyeing as at present.

It will be understood that, as in the past, Y

or present methods, all fur skins dipped in various dyestul' solutions must be again softened after drying. And in some cases, a regular retanning like the original tanning, may be necessary; but usually a damping, staking and oiling as at present of the leather or skin side is found sufficient, es-

pecially .in my process where the dyein 1s at low temperature under 100o F. nd even such is unnecessary, when dye is brushed on the hair as in top-dyeing above described, and when the skin proper is not affected.

The duration of the immersion may be as at present-but advantageously much less time to be determined empirically for (flifferent dyes and kind and condition of urs.

Ordinary dyestuii's marketed for coloring textiles must be applied to textiles at high temperaturein many cases boiling hot. Such are inapplicable for furs as the skins would become partially dissolved thereby. But some such can be used for top dyeing. Sheepskins are sometimes now dyed with these colors by fastening them on boards or frames and allowing the wool alone to come in direct contact with the hot dye liquor. I likewise adapt my process as in brushing above described.

Some varieties of fur pelts have wiry bristly hairs which will be duly treated, t'. e., killed as a5'. present prior to applying` my process.

Furs are now largely dyed by the oxidation of coal-tar dyes on the fiber; principally by the oxidation on the fiber of the base paraphenylene diamin or para-amido phenol, or ortho amido phenol; pyrogallic acid .is used to a less extent. This is carried out ordinarily by first mordanting the fur with an oxidizing agent, principally bichrome or copper sulfate or iron salts. Light shades are dyed without previous mordanting but dark shades are first usually mordanted.

Hydrogen peroXid is the oxidizing agent ordinarily used in the dye-bath or dyeliquor and is added to the dye-liquor in the bath after the fur hair has become thoroughly saturated with the base; but in some cases the hydrogen peroXid is added to the dye-liquor before its use; one such latter formula for black dye is as follows: 5 pounds paraphenylene diamin dissolved in boiling water; then made up to 7%- gallons with cold water; made slightly acid with acetic acid; cool and add 2J,- gallons hydrogen peroxid (10 volumes). For dyeing brown the same formula is used except that the liquor is made slightly alkaline with soda ash, in lieu of acid with acetic acid. For a brushing dye-liquor on an imitation or inferior fur to imitate the markings of a superior natural fur, a solution of one of the above bases mixed with hydrogen sullid may be brushed on the former, as above described.

Another formula for black dye liquor is as follows: Make a 1% solution of paraphenylene diamin in pure water; make it slightly acid with acetic acid. Immerse the furs therein as above described at a temperature under 98O F. until thoroughly saturated; and then add y5 c. c. hydrogen peroxid (10 volumes) for every gram of peraphenylene diamin and allowing the bath to fall to normal temperature. With present processes 8 to 10 hours immersion is required to develop a full black on the fur, the bath being kept acid; but with my improved process, far less time is required, depending on the fur and to be determined empirically; as a general rule less than one half the time and less than one tenth the time where the vacuum chamber above described is used.

It will be understood by the term dyeing herein described, I include mordanting where mordanting is first now advantageously employed, I use my process as described in the mordanting, t'. e., I conduct the process as described first with mordant liquor alone and thereafter apply the dyeliquor proper as at present; and such is advantageously done in dyeing urs, i. e., first electrically mordant the fur. However, the dye-stuffs may be simultaneously applied with the mordant in the same dyeing liquor, in the method described; and in some cases, the dye-stuffs liquor may be iirst applied and then separately the mordant solution.

It will be understood that by dyeing, I include mordanting with a mordant as well as dyeing with the color proper separately; also where such mordants and colors are applied in the one dye liquor, after duly cooling the liquors both mordantand coloring liquors for immersion of furs, to 8O to 100 F.

Where the mordanting is first applied, it will be advantageous with furs as with silk and wool after the immersion in the mordant to advantageously :follow with washing with water; then drying and electrifying and then use the dye-liquor for coloring.

Fur is advantageously electrified positive; therefore in fur dyeing I advantageously electrify the fur positive, and the dye liquor negative separatively; or leave either, electrically neutral; and then bring same into contact as described. But it will be understood I may reverse the said electrifications. It is advantageous to use the more concentrated solutions of dyestufs and in very pure water. Ordinary dyeing processes as regards temperature are inapplicable for furs as such are very sensitive to heat; and in order to preserve the pelt, fur dyeing is conducted, advantageously, in the cold or at normal temperature; my process as described permits thereof; I advantageously use dye-baths for animal fibers and furs at or under F. or body temperature. It is advantageous to start the dyeing tepid or luke warm and raise gradually to 98 or at most to 120 F. and dye at this temperature advantageously about half hour or less to be determined empirically for different weights of different animal pelts. At low temperatures it is difficult to insure the penetration of some mordants and dye-stuffs and iu such cases the vacuum feature herein described is advantageous, especially with furs where low temperatures are most desirable; and thereby sundry dyes not now applicable to furs may be used. I also apply my process similarly to down, z'. e., the under-plumage of birds, swan, duck and other water-fowl; and to sundry feathers. Such are animal productions in the'category with fur. Wool and silk may be dyed at high temperatures 167 to 176o F. asfa't present and in full shades, but boiling heat is ordinarily used for dark colors; boiling heat is used to open the pores of feathers to allow full ingress to interior by mordant and dye; but such highand boiling heat is injurious for pelts and down and is avoided by my process. While china or porcelain vats,

basins or vessels are advantageous for delicate colors, copper vessels with double bottom for heating are advantageous for black and dark colors. Large ostrich feathers are advantageously dyed in a metal tray or sieve by my process as above described for furs, advantageously using the acid coal tar dyes and dipping the electrified trays with feathers, down, etc., therein under insulated conditions.

I do not restrict the process to mere dyeling, but likewiseV apply the same in sundry well known bleaching operations of fibers, and textiles as well as furs and feathers and hairs, and the like; and in stripping colors therefrom. I do not restrict the process to/ dyeing merely of furs and fur pelts and animal 'products but also to textile fibers and textile fabrics; and manufactures of straw, straw braid and the like; and to feather dyeing; and leather dyeing. j

It will be understood that after the dyeing is completed with this process, the furs and the like, vlill be thoroughly rinsed, as at present, and in sore cases advantageously drummed with absorbents, such as hardwood, sawdust, meal, etc., to dry and remove any loose coloring matter, and the like.

I claim:

1. An electric treatment in the process of dyeing dressed furs, down, feathers, hair, fibers, andthe like, which consists in electrifying the duly dried materials to be dyed with one sign only, and separatelyv electrifying the dye-liquor, with opposite sign, and with different potentials, and then bringing the materials and liquor into contact; all under insulated conditions; and thereafter conducting and completing the dyeing.

2, An electric treatment in the process of dyeing dressed furs, down, feathers, hair, fibers andthe like, which consists in electrifying the dye-liquor with one electric sign only; and thereafter bringing same into contact with the material to be dyed; all under insulated conditions, and thereafter conducting and completing the dyeing.

3. An electric treatment in the process of dyeing dressed furs, down, feathers, hair, fibers and the like, which consists in electrifying the duly dried material to be dyedV with one electric sign, and thereafter bring# ing same into contact with the dye-liquor; all under insulated conditions; and thereafter conducting and completing the dyeing.

et. An electric treatment in the process of dyeing and the like, which consists in subjecting to and exhausting in'a near vacuum, the materials dul dried which are to be dyed and then e ectrifying the materials with one sign only in the vacuum; and then bringing the dye-liquor electrified with the 'opposite sign and different potential, into contact with the materials in the vacuum; all under insulated conditions; and thereafter conducting and completing the dyeing.

5. An electric treatment in dyeing, and

.the like, which consists in subjecting to and exhausting in a near vacuum, the duly dried materials to be dyed and then electrifying the dye-liquor with opposite sign; and then bringing the electrified dye-liquor into contact `with the materials in the vacuum; all under insulated conditions; and thereafter conducting and completing the dyeing.

6. An electric treatment in dyeing and the like, which consists in subjecting to and in a near vacuum, the duly dried materials- 8. The process of electrifying with one f sign only a fur and other fiber and the like which consists in bringing same in dry state under insulated conditions into physical contact with a conductor extension of one terminal of a direct current supplypf a suitable voltage and amperage, the other terminal bein earthed, vand with a suitable increased di Aerence of potential between the electric source and said extension contact; all under insulated conditions.

9. The process of vincreasing electrificasoV tionl of a material with one sign only by conta'c't thereof, with an electric current circuit with one pole grounded, under insulated conditions which consists in increasing the difference of potential between the electric source and the contact points and the like, over that due to resistance of the original circuit and the source.

10. The process of increasing the electrification of a material with one sign only, by contact thereof with an electric current circuit which consists in enlarging the sizeand shape of the non-grounded lead line of the circuit into a conductor conduit plate and the like for said contacting and simultaneously grounding the opposite sign and keeping the electric source ofsupply and the said contact plate and the like, over and above such due to resistance of the circuit and of the source.

12. A dyed material with electrically adsorbed components of dyestufi's and electrical reactions of. components from dyestuffs and mordants homogeneously fixed in and upon the fibers in nonstrained equilibrium of increased density and increased stability, and durability and diminished hygroscopicity.

13. A dyed materialI with electrically ad-` sorbed components of dye-stuffs and electric reaction components from dyestui's homogeneousl fixed in and upon the fibers, of increase density stability .and durability against deterioration from light, heat, moislture and time.

14. AA dyed fur, and the like animal product having` in and on its fibers, electrically adsorbed components of dyestuflc' and electrical-reaction compounds of ycomponents of dyestuffs, and mordantsl and the like, of enhanced density stability and enhanced durability of color and gloss as regards light heat, moisture and time deterioration.

15. A dyed fur and the like animal product including a down, feathers, hair and fiber, having electrically adsorbed and electrically fixed components of dye-stuffs therein and thereon of enhanced stability, density and durability of color and gloss and with diminished hygroscopicity. l

16. A dyed fur, and the like including a down and manufacture thereof having thereon and therein exclusive of the skin, electrically adsorbed and electrically fixed compounds of dyestuffs of enhanced density and durability.

17. A dyed fur and the like including a down, having electrically adsorbed and compounded dye-stuff colors fixed in and upon the skin thereof and upon the fibers of the fur proper, hair, feathers and the like, the dye colors having enhanced density and durability and uniformity.

18. An apparatus of the nature described comprising a vessel suitable for the purpose stated, with insulator supports, with means of opening and hermetically sealing the chamber thereof, with supporting plates and the like, in the chamber, holding solid materials furs, down and the like to be treated; with means of creating a near vacuum in the chamber through suitable exhaust pipes connected therewith; with means of electri-' fying the plates and the materials in contact therewith, with one si n only by electrical connection with one po e of a direct current supply of a suitable voltagp and amperage, the other pole being eart ed, and with a voltmeter, ammeter, rheostat polechanger and cut-out switch, in the circuit of said d. c. supply; with means of forcing into through and out of said chamber and permeating said materials therein, suitable liquids, fluids, gases and the like by means of suitable circulation pi-pes; with means of attemperating the said liquids and the like;

with means of repeating the said circulation intermittently and continuously through said circulation pipes; and with a dielectric joint at points in the supply and drainage and withdrawal ipes, connecting with the circulation pipes e ond and not in the circulating system wit means like above electrifying means, of electrifying the circulation pipes during the said circulation with one sign only as desired; all under insulated conditions.

19. An apparatus of the nature described comprising a vessel for the purpose intended; with insulator supports thereof; with means of opening and hermetically sealing a doorway into the chamber thereof; with means of placing and withdrawing the materials to be'treated, on plates, trays and the like, in said chamber, and insulated therefrom; with a su ply funnel and the like and inlet connecting supply pipe and cutoff cock leading into top of said vessel and drainage pipe and cock from bottom of said vessel; with means of attemperating the same and contents; with means of electrifying the supply pipe and the plates in-v termittently of and with one sign only, for

the electrification of the said p1 e opposite Y to and with different potential or the sign of the electrification of the said plates, from a direct current supply of suitable voltage and amperage, the other pole being earthed;

and with means of charging the pole; and with pole-changer, cutout switch voltmeter, ammeter and rheostat in the d. c. supply circuit; all under insulated conditions.

20. In an apparatus of the nature described, the chamber of a Vessel on insulator supports; with means of ingress and egress and of hermetically ysealing same; with means of placing'thereon materials to be treated with means of forcing liquids and fluids in to and through the said chamber, through piping connected therewith, with means of electrifyin said piping lby electrical connection wit one pole of a direct current supply and other pole being earthed; with means of attemperating the said piping; all under insulated conditions.

21.In an apparatus of the nature described, a drying chamber of a Vessel on insulator supports, with means of duly placing materials to be dried therein with means of electrifying the materials therein with one sign only from a d. c. supply with means of forcing ionized air, gases and the like, electrified with one sign only, being the opposite to the aforesaid, into and through and out of the said chamber; all under 1nsulated conditions.

22. An electrilier apparatus in combination with a vessel and conduits and the like of the nature described, comprising a direct current supply circuit with ymeans of controlling the supply; with 'pole changer switch in the circuit with means of earthing from the pole changer one pole of the electric supply, and means of electrically connecting the other ole to and with a conductor plate, pipe, tu conduit-and the like in contact with material to be electrified, with means of attemperating the plate and material; with cut-out switch, voltmeter, ammeter and rheostat in the' said circuit all on insulator supports.

23. An electrifier apparatus of the nature described comprising azdirect current supply; with means of controlling the supply; with means of earthing one pole thereof and with means of electrically connecting the other pole to a conducting plate, pipe, conduit, Vessel and the like, in contact with material to be electrified; with means of moving and renewing the materials at the contact; with means of attemperating the material and the conduit and the like with cut-out switch, voltmeter, ammeter and resistance in the earth line of the circuit; with insulator supports for all connecting Vessels, pipes and other apparatus; with dielectric joints in all connecting pipes separating such from the electrilier vessel.

24. An electrier apparatus comprising a direct current metallic circuit of which Ythe earth forms no part; with means of earthing one terminal thereof and of connectinor the other terminal to a conductor plate and e 25. An electrier tray of good conducting material for the purpose stated with means of fastening therein materials to be treated; with dielectric handles; with insulator supports; with means of electrically connecting the tray with one pole of a direct current supply the other pole being earthed.

26. An electriier metal comb, for the purpose stated, with dielectric covered handle, with means of electrically connecting the comb through a movable insulated extension wire with one pole of a direct current supply, the other pole being earthed; with means of attemperating the comb; with means of combing with said combrthus elecJ trically connected a fur, pelt andthe like. under insulated conditions.

27. An electrifer rubbing plate for the purpose stated, of good conducting material; with roughened surface; with insulator supports; with means of electrically con.

necting the plate with one pole of a direct current supply, the other pole being earthed; lwith means through dielectric handling clamps and the like of passing a fur and the like, in contact with said plate, to and fro; with means of attemperating -said plate; all under insulated conditions.

28. In 'an apparatus` as described, an electrifier plate and the like connected b a superior conductor wire and the like W1th one terminal o f a d. c. supply the other terminal being earthed, and made of resistor material and in shape permitting contact therewith of a fur and other solid materials, with means of attemperating the plate, tray and the like; all under insulated conditions.

29. In an apparatus of the nature described, a closed vessel on insulator supports; with means of placing therein and withdrawing therefrom intermittently solid materials to be dyed; with means of creating a near-vacuum in the vessel and solid material contents; with means of circulating through the Vessel, under pressure continuously and intermittently, liquids and gases; with means of attemperating the solids, liquids and gases; with means of electrifying with one sign only the solids and likewise with opposite sign and different potential, the liquids and gases; all under insulated conditions. p

30. In an apparatus of the nature described a closed -vessel on insulator Supports; with means of opening and hermetically sealing the vessel; with means of placing therein solid materials to be treated; with means of creating a near-vacuum in means of forcing with pressure into and out of the sealed vessel, liquids and gases; with means of attempcrating the said solids, liquids and gases; with means of electrifying With one sign only the said solids, liquids and gases; all under insulated conditions.

31. In an apparatus as described, a resistance in the circuit and as an electriier conduit plate and the like, constructed of a closely connected succession of metallic thermo-electric couples, placed in a d. c. circuit, whereof one pole is grounded, the

couples being connected in series in thenon grounded terminal line with the current flowing therethrough in the same direction as the thermo-electric current would flow at the hot junction.

In testimony whereof I have hereto afiXed my hand in the presence of two witnesses.A

JACOB E. BLOOM. Witnesses:

ABR. I. SOLOMON, LEWIS LoUDE. 

